Grandma "Bessie" Shaw's Yellow Tomato Preserves

I got this recipe from Curly Grandma.  She told me that great grandma “Bessie” Shaw (Baldy Grandpa’s mother), would make this to brighten up a winter meal.  I make a batch of this up every year in memory of grandma Bessie.   I never knew her, but this recipe gives me a connection to her.  She was a small, but sturdy farmer’s wife in the harsh climate of Eastern Colorado.  They lived outside of Hugo, near the ranch where my mother grew up.
Click here for directions with pictures

Dryer Balls - a chemical free solution!

http://www.goodforlife1.com/ 

I've seen these around and finally decided to give them a try and here they are!  They look great on the dryer, reduce my drying time, reduce static cling, and I can add essential oils to make my laundry smell great.  I've been amazed at how much these little balls help.  They cost a bit to make but will last a long time while stylishly hanging out in your laundry room between loads!  
I also hang clothes on the line to reduce my electric bill.  I'll post a pattern for my clothes pin apron soon!  Click here to view the "how to" document with pictures.  Enjoy!

Whole Wheat Tortillas

Delicious Home-made whole wheat tortillas!  I had to mess around a bit to re-create the recipe I used before I moved to my new house.  These are easy to make, store well in the freezer or fridge.  I made them with fresh ground whole wheat, but you can use the flour that you have on hand.  If you have a wheat allergy, try something else and let me know how it works!  

I'm also experimenting with natural (home-made yeast).  I'll re-post when I have that recipe ready. Click here for the printable recipe with pictures included.

No-bake Cookies...Reinvented

We love these cookies!  The great thing is that the recipe can be played with, adding your own favorite seeds, nuts, or fruits.  It only takes 5 minutes to make from start to finish, which is great for summer "cooking".  I rested the cookies in the photo at left on a sprig of chocolate mint from my garden and they took on some of the mint flavor.  Very delicious!

Visit me at http://www.mydoterra.com/karensue/#/ to contact me or learn more about essential oils to enhance healthy living.

Stir together the following ingredients in a thick-bottomed pan.  Bring it to boiling and boil fro 2 minutes (not less or your cookies will be a bit runny).

3/4 cup organic coconut oil (I buy mine at the grocery store)
1 1/2 cups turbinado or "raw" sugar of your choice
2-3 tablespoons powdered cocoa
1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons milk or milk alternative

Remove the pan from heat and mix in the following.

2 1/4 cups rolled oats
1 cup of your favorite nuts, seeds, coconut or dried fruit
1 Tablespoon vanilla (or so...optional)
3-5 drops wild orange or other favorite citrus essential oil.

Drop mixture by tablespoons onto a cookie sheet (brushed with coconut oil).  Refrigerate to solidify cookies.  Keep refrigerated until they are all eaten (not long at my house but they will keep over a week and be fine).  I know that the sugar (even raw) is "bad" for us, but this recipe lessens the sting of traditional no bake cookies a bit.  Always remember that when eating desserts, moderation is a good thing.

Summer Quiche - one of my fresh garden favorites!

This is one of my favorite summer foods.  I make it once and it lasts several days.  Great cold or re-warmed.  It's a good food to bring to work for lunch too!

Click here for the recipe.